LEGISLATIVE REPORT
February 23, 2024

 

In Today’s Edition:

• Congressional Staffer Josh Delaney Visits Campus
• Senate Passes FY 2024 Amended Budget
• Legislation Tracker
• GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Zahra Abdullah
• Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Michael Polacek
• Upcoming Events: Legislative Calendar

 

Congressional Staffer Josh Delaney Visits Campus

On Tuesday, February 20th, Josh Delaney, Legislative Director for U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, visited the downtown campus to discuss Georgia State University’s federal legislative priorities. During his visit to campus, Josh also took time to visit with students to discuss topics including college affordability, career counseling, and higher education advocacy in Washington, D.C.

 

Senate Passes FY 2024 Amended Budget

The Senate passed HB 915, the FY 2024 Amended budget this week by a vote of 54-1. The amended budget totals $37.5 billion, an increase of $5 billion, or 15.6% over the budget originally adopted last year.  The Amended FY 2024 budget includes an unprecedented investment in the state’s infrastructure including one-time needed technology and capital projects; safety and security projects; economic development projects; as well as human capital investment.

The FY2024 amended recommendations of interest to Georgia State University and the University System of Georgia (USG) include $5.1 million in equipment funds for the Research Tower at Georgia State University.  Also included are $66 million in the Teaching program to restore original FY 2024 formula funds, $178 million to design, construct, and equip a new dental school at Georgia Southern University in Savannah, and $50 million for the design and construction of a new Medical School at the University of Georgia.

The Senate version of the budget also includes $10.25 million for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to complete the Rivian training center in Newton County and $8.9 million in lottery funds to allow the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) to continue the Summer Transition Program at its current level of service. The Summer Transition Program provides rising Pre-K students and rising Kindergarten students with extra support in language, literacy and math.  The House and Senate will now form a conference committee to work out the differences.

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Legislation Tracker

Tuition Increases
SR 602, sponsored by Sen. Brandon Beach
(R-Alpharetta), proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Georgia so as to authorize the General Assembly to by general law restrict, regulate, or prohibit the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia from approving any increase in tuition or student fees of more than 3 percent greater than the amount of such tuition or student fee for the preceding academic year.  The bill failed the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

Admissions
SB 509, sponsored by Sen. Clint Dixon
(R-Buford), would prohibit the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia, and any public postsecondary institution from asking applicants whether they have been arrested, charged, or convicted of certain crimes.  The bill has been assigned to the Senate Higher Education Committee.

Tuition Grants
HB 56, sponsored by Rep. Jesse Petrea
(R-Savannah), would provide for undergraduate full tuition grants to children and spouses of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and prison guards who were killed in the line of duty who attend institutions of the University System of Georgia and who meet certain eligibility requirements.  The bill passed the House Higher Education Committee and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.

High-Demand Apprenticeship Program
SB 497, sponsored by Sen. Billy Hickman
(R-Statesboror), would redesignate the High-demand Career Initiatives Program as the High-Demand Apprenticeship Program.  The bill passed the Senate Higher Education Committee and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.

USG Quarterly Reports
SB 511, sponsored by Sen. Marty Harbin
(R-Tyrone), would require quarterly reports from the University System of Georgia regarding certain funding received from individuals or entities related to China.  The bill was heard before the Senate Higher Education Committee, but no vote was taken.

Georgia Higher Education Assistance
HB 985, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Martin
(R-Alpharetta), abolishes the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation and transfers any obligations, liabilities, or assets to the Georgia Student Finance Authority.  The bill passed the Senate Higher Education Committee and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.

Needs Based Financial Aid
HB 1124, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Martin
(R-Alpharetta), would allow students to apply earlier to the needs based financial aid program. Georgia College Completion Grant eligibility would be awarded to students who have completed 70 percent of a four-year program or 45 percent of a two-year program. The bill passed the House by a vote of 165-1 and now crosses over to the Senate.

Voluntary Pre-K Programs
SB 360, sponsored by Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro), would provide that capital outlay funds may be used for educational facilities for voluntary pre-kindergarten programs provided by the school system.   The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 50-0 and has been assigned to the House Education Committee.

Sports Betting, Casinos Moves Forward
SR 538, sponsored by Sen. Carden Summers (R-Savannah), proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Georgia so as to authorize and require that the Georgia General Assembly provide by law for sports betting and casino gambling in this state by July 2, 2025.  The bill passed the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.

Professional Counselors
HB 1050, sponsored by Rep. Karen   Mathiak (R-Griffin), modifies the licensing requirements for social workers and marriage and family therapists, as well as increases the required quarter hours for an approved supervised internship to 90 hours in order to be licensed as a professional counselor. The bill passed the House Regulated Industries Committee and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.

HB 793, sponsored by Rep. Matt Barton 
(R-Calhoun), would allow an applicant for a license in social work who is enrolled in the last semester of their master’s degree program for social work to sit for the master’s social work licensing examination. The bill passed the House by a vote of 167-1 and has been assigned to the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee.

Military Spouses
HB 880, sponsored by Rep. Bethany Ballard (R-Warner Robins), would allow military spouses to use an existing license in good standing from another state to obtain employment.  The bill passed the House Regulated Industries Committee and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.

Veterans 
SB 449, sponsored by Sen. Larry Walker
(R-Perry), would streamline the certification and licensing process for military medical personnel transitioning into civilian roles within the healthcare sector in Georgia. Military medical personnel who have served as medics, medical technicians, or corpsmen within 24 months of seeking certification may be exempt from certain examination requirements to become certified nursing aides. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 49-0 and has been assigned to the House Regulated Industries Committee.

Human Trafficking
HB 970, sponsored by Rep. Robert Dickey (R-Musella), would provide that victims of human trafficking be eligible for the Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) Scholarship.  The bill passed the Senate Higher Education Committee and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 370, sponsored by Sen. Mike Hodges (R-Brunswick), would require certain establishments to post human trafficking hotline information. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 50-1 and now crosses over to the House.

SB 512, sponsored by Sen. Shawn Still 
(R-Norcross), would create the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund and the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund Commission. The bill has been assigned to the Senate Public Safety Committee.

SB 514, sponsored by Sen. Shawn Still 
(R-Norcross), would require a human trafficking training program for hotels. The bill has been assigned to the Senate Public Safety Committee.

 

GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Zahra Abdullah

Q: Where is your hometown? 
A: I grew up in Trenton, New Jersey.

Q: What is your major? 
A: I’m in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Law and Society. 

Q: Which office/committee are you assigned to? 
A: I am assigned to Health and Human Services.

Q: What are some of your duties as a legislative intern? 
A: As an intern, my responsibilities encompass a diverse array of tasks vital to the legislative process. These include meticulously tracking legislative developments, managing the filing of bills and crucial documents, and handling constituent correspondence. Furthermore, I actively participate in organizing and attending committee meetings, facilitating the smooth functioning of the Senate page directory, managing bill pickups and drop-offs, drafting letters, and conducting in-depth research on public policy areas aligned with my senators’ political objectives.

Q: What do you hope to learn or come away with from the GLIP experience? 
A: I am eager to delve into the intricate workings of the legislature and explore how it directly influences our daily lives. My aspiration is to witness firsthand the multifaceted aspects of law, encompassing public policy, legal advocacy, lobbying endeavors, and the active engagement of constituents. I am confident that immersing myself in this environment will not only facilitate lifelong connections but also furnish me with invaluable insights into the legislative process, equipping me with the skills essential for future career success.

Q: How will this experience help you in your future career plans? 
A: Participating in this experience will be instrumental in shaping my future career path. It will offer valuable insight into various fields of law, aiding me in pinpointing the area I am most passionate about. Moreover, it will afford me the opportunity to forge meaningful connections and cultivate lifelong mentors. Additionally, I anticipate honing crucial skills essential for my future occupation, including writing, research, analytical abilities, professional demeanor, and public speaking prowess.

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Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Michael Polacek

Q: What was your graduation year and degree? 
A: I graduated December 2018 in Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in Public Policy Analysis.

Q: What has your career path looked like since you graduated from Georgia State University? 
A: In 2018, I landed a job as a Fiscal & Policy Analyst for the Georgia House Budget and Research Office, with a specific emphasis in healthcare. In 2021, I transitioned to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, where I currently serve as Director of Legislative Affairs & Constituent Services.

Q: What advice do you have for current or prospective Georgia State students?
A: It’s just as important to figure out what you don’t want to do as it is figuring out what you think you want to do. My first job out of undergrad was in the addiction recovery field where I was 99% certain I wanted to become a social worker. I was super passionate about this work, but I became much more interested in the macro policy issues at hand rather than the micro-clinical work. I never thought this job would expose me to the advocacy/policy world like it did, but that experience ultimately led me to switching to an MPA at GSU. Whether it’s an internship or full-time job, you just never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn. A few other suggestions:
– If you’re looking for a career in governmental/legislative affairs, learn the state budget process. You’d be surprised how much of a value add this can be to your resume.
– Work hard and network hard – pay attention to detail in your deliverables. Ask for help if you don’t know something. Remain teachable. Networking isn’t just about lunches and other functions, but also about being helpful to others whenever possible.
– And finally, just be a nice human.

 

Upcoming Events

• Legislative Day 27

• Committee Work Day